Item - 2026.EC30.12

The Economic and Community Development Committee:

1. Referred Item EC30.12 to the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, and the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards for consideration as part of ongoing work and future report backs related to the City’s approach to temporary liquor licensing and the Business Licence and Permit Applications Action Plan.

As Night Economy Champion, I am requesting that City staff review recent developments in Montréal, where the City has introduced designated “nightlife hubs” that permit select venues to operate with extended hours—up to 6:00 a.m. during approved events—beyond the standard last call. This model is intended to support the nighttime economy, enhance cultural vibrancy, and create more coordinated and managed late-night activity.

Toronto’s nighttime economy is a vital contributor to economic growth, tourism, and cultural life. However, existing frameworks around last call and the concentration of late-night activity can present challenges related to congestion, safety, and neighbourhood impacts. Montréal’s approach offers a structured model that concentrates activity in specific areas while balancing economic opportunity with community considerations and public safety measures.

Given Toronto’s scale and diversity, it is important to assess whether a similar approach could be appropriate locally. This includes undertaking meaningful consultation to determine whether there is an appetite among residents, businesses, and stakeholders for extended hours and designated nightlife hubs, and identifying how such a model could be tailored to Toronto’s unique context.